THE BATGIRL PROMO FILM!

HOLY PILOT EPISODE!

When the second season of Batman came to a close, it seemed unlikely that a third season would be
forthcoming. Batman's ratings had started to fall and ABC were seriously considering cancelling the
bi-weekly series.

William Dozier was determined to persuade ABC that the Batman Series had a lot of
life left in it and was definitely deserving of a third season.

Dozier arranged a meeting with staff members of DC Comics, with a view to discovering a way to
rejuvenate the ailing series. It was decided that the introduction of Batgirl to the cast would give
Batman the necessary freshness and energy that would justify a third season. Unfortunately, ABC were a lot
less enthusiastic about the idea than Dozier had anticipated.

In order to convince ABC that his idea was feasible, Dozier shot this eight minute promo film, which
introduced Yvonne Craig to her most famous role... Batgirl! Dozier was hoping that this film
would convince ABC that the chemistry between Batman, Robin and Batgirl was strong enough to warrant
a third season.

In a sense the film was a success. Therefore, ABC agreed to give it a go. However, there was to be a lethal
compromise. The third season would see the hitherto bi-weekly series cut, to just one half hour
episode per week.

The new format just didn't work. With each adventure crammed into just one half hour programme, there
was little scope for Batgirl to blend comfortably with the cluttered storylines. Half way through the third
season, the confirmation came that this would be Batman's final run.

So here it is. Sit back and enjoy the legendary Batgirl Pilot Episode.